WKU pivotal to boosting China-U.S. Exchanges

Wenzhou, Zhejiang: On April 26, the China-U.S. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges Seminar kicked off at Wenzhou-Kean University with leaders from WKU and Kean USA, representatives from public schools in New Jersey and other educational, cultural, and economic figures in attendance. They engaged in thought-provoking and meaningful discussions on how to deepen China-U.S. relations and expand cooperation between the two universities.

This time, WKU will work with Kean USA to advance President Xi Jinping's initiative to increase the exchange between peoples of both nations. President Xi hopes to invite 50,000 young American students to China between 2024 and 2029. 

The seminar was organised while recognizing that important milestones will be celebrated this year, including the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United States of America which began in 1979. WKU will also celebrate its 10th Anniversary of Establishment in April and in July, WKU has been listed in the fifth round of the China-US High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange. 

The seminar hopes to build on WKU’s decade-long pursuit of cultural exchange and provide new perspectives on the future direction of cooperative education. 

Uniting Forces, Discussing the Fruits of Cultural Exchange

The seminar commenced under the theme "Strengthening People-to-People Ties, Enhancing Heart-to-Heart Communication." At the outset, Mr. Wang Beijiao, Party Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Directors of WKU, reported on WKU’s achievements in China-U.S. cultural exchanges. He noted that by recruiting global talent, pursuing scientific excellence, and highlighting positive stories about China, WKU has improved China-U.S. cultural exchange. 

WKU will continue to leverage its global resources, aligning with the national policy on opening education to the outside world and meeting the demand for social innovation services. The university will remain true to the mission of building an international high-level university by actively responding to the China-U.S. youth exchange invitation President Xi extended to Americans.

Kean President Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., says the purpose of launching the China-U.S. cooperative project between the universities is to cultivate global citizens. In his remarks, he pinned his hopes on students from both universities enhancing their academic literacy and expanding their international vision by participating in activities as diverse as global business practices, cross-cultural internships, and studies in languages and traditions. He further urged the two universities to introduce more cooperative research opportunities, expand global internship programs, and attract more American students to WKU on exchange and study.

Subsequently, Xu Yufei, Deputy Director of The Standing Committee of the Wenzhou People's Congress; Wang Hongwei, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Zhejiang Provincial People's Government; Shu Peidong, Deputy Director General of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Education; and Chen Dali, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges, delivered speeches in succession.

Dialoguing the Future, Promoting China-U.S. Student Exchanges

Moderated by WKU’s Executive Vice Chancellor Cary Anderson, the dialogue session was themed “Enhancing Cultural Exchanges and Advocating for Mutual Learning Among China-U.S. Youth.”

Speakers noted that exchanges between Chinese and American youth can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries, and help to stabilize China-U.S. relations. Participants also proposed ideas and directions on how to align and develop China-U.S. cultural exchange programs.

A highlight of this seminar is the award of badges for "YES" (Young Envoys Scholarship) and "Sino-U.S. Cultural Exchange Envoy" to American and Chinese student representatives. Both universities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, encouraging regular visits, engaging in mutual understanding and communication, and promoting the development of the China-U.S. cultural exchange program.

Chairman Wang and President Repollet, Ed.D., officially launched the China-U.S. Cultural Exchange Program at WKU, which marks the monumental implementation of the “Five-Year Plan for China-U.S. Youth Exchanges.” In the next stage, the two universities will enhance intellectual engagement and emotional integration among students through tailored courses, internships, cultural explorations, and community service activities.

Guests attended the photo exhibition on China-U.S. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges. The exhibition captured scenes alongside WKU’s innovative exploration in pursuit of cultural exchanges, showcasing WKU's respect for inclusiveness and multiculturalism and envisioning a friendly future between China and the United States. Improving China-U.S. relationship is seen as lying in people and its future depends on the youth.

WKU is the largest Sino-American university in China, and it offers an all-English teaching environment which blends Chinese and Western curricula. American students studying at WKU gain a panoramic understanding of China in an immersive learning environment on campus.